there's mostly patchwork on defense, with a few good players (Vontae Davis, Robert Mathis) not good enough to lift the team overall

mainly the O-Line though. TY Hilton was a beast against the deep ball last season. this season, the O-Line hasn't given either quarterback enough time to throw it regularly. at least last night Andre Johnson and Frank Gore turned up

Strengthened the flashy skill positions while letting things like the pass rush and the O-Line fall by the wayside. Not sure how long Ryan Grigson can dine out on having drafted Andrew Luck because pretty much everything he's done since has been a disaster.

why not read my latest blog post, in which i waffle pretentiously and self-indulgently about going to watch the game at Wembley, Kenny Stills remembering he exists and Joe Philbin's asylum application being rejected

I think you are reading too much into the Ryan Tannehill practice story, as things do tend to get heated during practice sessions and players react out of frustration in the heat of the moment. I don't think 'we're all' expecting him to be one of those not very good quarterback based on the start to this season.

I share your uncertainty about having an NFL team in Britain. I would take your idea of having a second team in Germany further by (as I have said on here before) having an entire four team division based in Europe. These European teams would then have 11 games in Europe each season (8 home games and 3 division road games). It helps 'local' rivalries become established which is crucial for building support. It ensures that at least one of the teams gets to the playoffs each year so the European base remains relevant to the rest of the NFL. There is no way the NFL would go for it though.

Hopefully having a week and a half to prepare will mean that Vick will have more than 4 different plays to run. He didn't have a bad game against Baltimore anyway. Bit disappointed that Shazier is out again and Martavis Bryant finished his suspension only to get hurt straight away.

Chargers' offense looks decent with Rivers, Allen and Woodhead all playing well but their offensive line is in a bit of a state and Pittsburgh has done a surprisingly good job in the pass rush over the first 4 games.